Health Library

The Dangers of Lead Poisoning

Lead is a metal. It was once used in things like paint, china, and water pipes. Too much lead can make you, your children, and even your pets sick. Breathing, touching, or eating paint or dust containing lead is the most likely way of being exposed. Dust gets on the hands. It can then enter the mouth. Children may also chew on lead paint because it can taste sweet.

Lead Hurts Kids

Sometimes you may not notice any signs of lead poisoning in children.

Behavior, learning, and sleep problems may be caused by lead.

Other signs of lead poisoning include clumsiness, weakness, headaches, and hearing problems. It can also cause slow growth, stomach problems, seizures, and coma.

Lead Hurts Adults

It can cause problems with blood pressure and muscles. It can hurt your kidneys, nerves, and stomach.

It can make you unable to have children. This is true for both men and women. Lead can also cause problems during pregnancy.